Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan speaking at the dialogue, organised by Press Institute of Bangladesh and Oxfam in Bangladesh on Sunday. — PID As Bangladesh navigates an important phase in its development, policymakers, national experts, media persons, and development practitioners suggested consorted efforts to address the spread of misinformation and disinformation that threatens inclusive development, institutional trust, and social cohesion.
They expressed the opinion at a national dialogue, titled "Media in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation: Challenges, Responsibilities, and the Path Forward for Development".
It was organised by Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) and Oxfam in Bangladesh under an initiative - Development Media Forum - on Sunday.
It created a platform to explore how misleading information distorts public perception across crucial issues, such as climate change, gender rights, economic justice, disaster response, and Rohingya crisis.
The speakers focused on how false or misleading content - whether politically motivated, economically driven, or algorithmically amplified - is reshaping narratives regarding these issues.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said, "A society can only thrive when truth is protected, not manipulated. Instead of distorting facts for political or financial gain, we must strengthen institutions to serve people with integrity."
"Real progress comes from transparency, accountability, and collective responsibility. Let us build a future where facts inform policy, justice leads governance, and public interest rises above all else."
Kamal Ahmed, Head of the Media Reform Commission, noted, "Fighting disinformation cannot be left to individual efforts alone. We need coordinated action - from the government, media, and tech platforms - backed by political will. This is not just an issue of media, it's a national priority."
Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir of Dhaka University said, "False narratives around Bangladesh's development are often long-term, strategic, and institutionally enabled. Tackling disinformation means asking political questions - not just technical ones, and reclaiming the space for scientific and truthful debate."
The dialogue emphasised the urgent need for coordinated responses that preserve press freedom while restoring public trust and ethical communication.
"We are at war with falsehood, and facts are our frontline defence. Media reform is not about control. It's about restoring credibility, truth, and public accountability," said PIB Director General Faruk Wasif
"An orchestrated information war is being waged against our people by powerful global actors and allies of the deposed rulers. Our response must be rooted in ethical journalism and national dignity," he added.
Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, reminded the audience of the human cost of misinformation. "Misinformation isn't just a media problem. It impacts the lives and dignity of people, especially the most vulnerable ones. We must act together to protect people, not just platforms."
The speakers urged greater collaboration among the media institutions, government, academia, and development actors to build a healthier, more truthful information ecosystem.
In the keynote presentation, Mohammad Mamun or Rashid, Assistant Professor of Jahangirnagar University, illustrated how media and digital platforms rapidly accelerate the spread of false content.
Other distinguished speakers of the event included Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC); Fahim Ahmed, CEO of Jamuna TV; and Dr Din M Sumon Rahman, Professor and Dean, School of Social Science, ULAB.
bikashju@gmail.com
© 2025 - All Rights with The Financial Express
